Mid-Week Message - Going Forward

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."  John 3:16  (NIV) 

I am about to say something that is becoming more and more unpopular.  I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the one and only God, that He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on a cruel cross for the atonement of our sins and was resurrected on the third day.  He is alive and interceding for us before the Father in Heaven and one day, hopefully not too far in the future, He will return again and take those who belong to Him back with Him and they will have eternal life.  

I also believe that the Christian Bible is God's Word, His love letter to us.  Because it is His Word, I believe it is true and that He is incapable of lying.  I don't question things like how much time it actually took to create the earth because whether it took six days or six million years, He still created it.  It is enough for me to know that He could have created it in six actual days because He certainly has the power to do so.  

I am alarmed by what I am hearing from many of those in leadership in this nation and the world.  Christians in the United States are beginning to see that persecution is coming.  Already we are belittled by those who claim that we are believing in a fairy tale.  When the COVID crisis came, one of the first things that were shut down were the churches, while liquor stores, tattoo parlors and marijuana stores were allowed to remain open.  Although it is improving in some areas, in many states churches that have tried to reopen have received reprisals from their city governments.  The claim has been that churches are not "essential businesses."  

Brothers and sisters in Christ, it is time for us to boldly proclaim the Truth.  Sooner or later, whether it be next week or the next decade, our freedom of speech will be taken from us.  While we are still able to openly preach the Gospel, we must do so.  All of us must do so.  We can no longer sit back and yield the responsibility to our preachers and teachers only.  Each of us has been called to carry God's Word to others.  

I know it isn't easy.  We will face rejection.  There may be those who get in our faces and ridicule or yell at us.  That's okay.  They did the same to the Savior.  Find an avenue for sharing that works for you.  Utilize social media as long as you are allowed to.  Hand out Bible tracts.  Strike up conversations in the line in the grocery store.  Write a blog, make videos.  Any way that you can share with others is good.  Jesus loved us so much that He allowed Himself to be crucified.  How important is He to us?  

May I also suggest one more thing?  Christian owned businesses are already facing persecution.  We need to support them with our business when we can and encourage them.  Even writing letters to thank them for adhering to their beliefs would be appreciated.  Also, we need to contact those who profess to be Christians who are serving in any leadership capacity and encourage them to stand up for their beliefs and what they know is right even if they are the only ones who do.  

I am so grateful that we do not have to fear the future because we know that the Lord remains in control.  He will guide us as we begin to share His love with those we encounter.  We just need to trust Him and to love Him enough to take the first steps.  God bless.